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A Traumatic Experience


Shelley and Cliff

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My husband and I found out on my 44th birthday (March 27, 2004) that our beloved cat Shadow was dying. We put her in the care of a specialist and we had this Vet run tests so we knew exactly what was wrong. Shadow had a disease called Chylothorax. Her chest cavity was filling with fluid and it was compressing her lungs and heart. There is no cure.

We took her home and tried to take care of her until it was time for her to return to the Vet's office to be checked.

On the way to the Vet's office, Shadow began to go into convulsions, had seizures and stopped breathing. She died in my arms.

We are lost without her. She was a very big part of our family. And we never intended for her to die in such a horrible and traumatic way. Our hearts are broken.

Our understanding was that we were to take her to the Vet for a check-up and then we would discuss what the next step would be - but there wasn't a chance. We were only 5 minutes from the Vet's when she died.

Shadow, we love you and miss you. We will never forget you.

Shadow Marie March 1, 1997 - April 17, 2004 Our beloved pet.

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Hi Shelley and Cliff,

I am so so sorry about Shadow's passing! I can only imagine your horror and panic and desperation during your trip to the vet!!

You did the very best than anyone could have done! You had no way of knowing what was to come--even the vet couldn't have predicted the seizures and death 2 days after her appointment. You did exactly the right thing by having the vet run those tests. And you were on your way back for her next check-up. It is obvious what awesome parents you 2 are. Even if there are little things you wish you had done, or wish you hadn't done (I say this only because it's common in a time of grief to have regrets---we all do), remember that you're human----but know that you are 2 of most compassionate parents there could ever be.

I have no doubts that Shadow Marie knows all this. She knows she's had the luckiest 7 years a cat could have had.

I was just thinking--- I've read a lot of posts from people who regret that they hadn't been there with their furchildren when they passed on, that their babies hadn't been in their arms. I know it's no consolation, but probably the vet couldn't have worked a miracle at that stage... and so Shadow might have died without your arms physically surrounding her.

Now that her soul isn't inside her physical body, she is experiencing only complete bliss and a love so perfect wub.gif that we whose souls are still being housed in these bodies can't yet fathom what it's like. For her there's no physical or emotional pain----unlike for her 2 precious parents. sad.gif But wouldn't want you to be paralyzed with grief. I'm glad---and of course Shadow Marie is glad---- that you have each other to lean on and comfort and love. You will get through this, one day at a time. Spend time on this site; we're all here for each other.

Much love and comfort,

Little Girl's Mommy, Kathy

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  • 4 weeks later...

The more I read about how people have lost their pets on this discussion board, the more I realize how common it is that pets have seizures. My little Merlin died of a seizure February 17, 2004, after running into our kitchen cabinet. His body wasn't in control, and he could not stop himself from hitting the cabinets.

Hasn't medical science improved human lives to the point where animal lives are just as important? Why isn't there more research being done.

I am sorry for your loss. I am still very angry that I lost my little love. I'm sure you have gone through the same.

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  • 4 weeks later...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my cat(Strawberry) of 10 years a few days ago to cardiomyopathy.This is similar to what you discribed with Shadow. Strawberry had been diagnosed about 6 months ago, but there is no cure for this heart disease. I had been giving her medications twice a day. She was doing fine, until last week.She was having trouble breathing and her lungs where filled with fluid inside and out. I felt so helpless. I am very sad that she's gone. There is an empty feeling around the house. Hopefully time will help heal some of the pain.

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